Differential expression of serum microRNAs in cirrhosis that evolve into hepatocellular carcinoma related to hepatitis B virus

Serum microRNA Profiles and Pathways in Hepatitis B-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A South African Study

The incidence and mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to increase sharply by 2040 against a backdrop of limited diagnostic and therapeutic options. Two large South African-based case control studies have developed a serum-based miRNome for Hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC), as well as identifying their gene targets and pathways. Using a combination of RNA sequencing, differential analysis and filters including a unique molecular index count (UMI) ≥ 10 and log fold change (LFC) range > 2: <-0.5 (p < 0.05), 91 dysregulated miRNAs were characterized including 30 that were upregulated and 61 were downregulated. KEGG analysis, a literature review and other bioinformatic tools identified the targeted genes and HBV-HCC pathways of the top 10 most dysregulated miRNAs. The results, which are based on differentiating miRNA expression of cases versus controls, also develop a serum-based miRNA diagnostic panel that indicates 95.9% sensitivity, 91.0% specificity and a Youden Index of 0.869. In conclusion, the results develop a comprehensive African HBV-HCC miRNome that potentially can contribute to RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Emerging Role of MiR-192-5p in Human Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a type of small non-coding RNAs that play an essential role in numerous biological processes by regulating the post-transcriptional expression of target genes. Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-192-5p, a member of the miR-192 family, partakes in several human diseases, especially various cancers, including cancers of the lung, liver, and breast. Importantly, the levels of miR-192-5p are abundant in biofluids, including the serum and urine, and the exosomal levels of miR-192-5p in circulation can aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases, such as chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection disease. Notably, recent studies suggest that miR-192-5p is regulated by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and circular RNAs (circRNAs). However, there are no comprehensive overviews on the role of miR-192-5p in human diseases. This review discusses the significant studies on the role of miR-192-5p in various human diseases, with special emphasis on the diseases of the respiratory and digestive systems.

MicroRNA-206 inhibits influenza A virus replication by targeting tankyrase 2

Due to the frequent mutations, influenza A virus (IAV) becomes resistant to anti-viral drugs targeting influenza viral proteins. There are increasing interests in anti-viral agents that target host cellular proteins required for virus replication. Tankyrase (TNKS) has poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase activity and is a negative regulator of many host proteins. The objectives of this study are to study the role of TNKS2 in IAV infection, identify the microRNAs targeting TNKS2, and to understand the mechanisms involved. We found that TNKS2 expression was elevated in human lung epithelial cells and mouse lungs during IAV infection. Knock-down of TNKS2 by RNA interference reduced viral replication. Using a computation approach and 3'-untranslation regions (3'-UTR) reporter assay, we identified miR-206 as the microRNA that targeted TNKS2. Overexpression of miR-206 reduced viral protein levels and virus production in cell culture. The effect of miR-206 on IAV replication was strain-independent. miR-206 activated JNK/c-Jun signalling, induced type I interferon expression and enhanced Stat signalling. Finally, the delivery of an adenovirus expressing miR-206 into the lung of mice challenged with IAV increased type I interferon response, suppressed viral load in the lungs and increased survival. Our results indicate that miR-206 has anti-influenza activity by targeting TNKS2 and subsequently activating the anti-viral state.

ExoceRNA atlas: A database of cancer ceRNAs in human blood exosomes

AIMS

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) play essential roles in cancer pathogenesis and those in exosomes have been the promising biomarkers for cancer diagnose and therapy. We aim to identify potential active ceRNA pairs in cancer blood exosomes by combining TCGA and exoRBase.

MAIN METHODS

Two strict screening criteria were implemented, including hypergeometric test on the targets predicted by RNA22 for differential miRNAs and Pearson test on the candidate mRNAs and lncRNAs for each cancer. Then2638292, 4925485 and 70669 ceRNAs in blood exosomes are available for colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD), respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

A comprehensive functional analysis on differential miRNAs in cancer blood exosomes indicates that they play important roles in development of cancer by degrading or inhibiting the post-transcription translation level of mRNA or by acting as mediators to regulate the expression of mRNA. Topological and biological functional analysis of ceRNA networks demonstrate that hub ceRNAs involve in cancer-related biological pathways and processes, so as to influence the occurrence and development of cancer and would be the potential biomarkers for three cancers. Finally, we designed a web-accessible database, ExoceRNA Atlas (https://www.exocerna-atlas.com/exoceRNA#/) as a repository of ceRNAs in blood exosomes. It can friendly search, browse and visualize ceRNA networks of the query genes along with giving the detailed functional analysis results. The entire ceRNA data can also be freely downloaded.

SIGNIFICANCE

ExoceRNA Atlas will serve as a powerful public resource for identifying ceRNAs and greatly deepen our understanding their functions in cancer exosomes.

Silencing of microRNA-210 inhibits the progression of liver cancer and hepatitis B virus-associated liver cancer via targeting EGR3

BACKGROUND

This study was aimed to investigate the regulatory role of microRNA-210 (miRNA-210) on the progression of liver cancer and Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver cancer.

METHODS

The expression of miRNA-210 was detected in liver tissues of HBV-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer, and in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells by qRT-PCR. MiRNA-210 was silenced in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells by the transfection of miRNA-210 inhibitor. The cell viability and apoptosis was detected by MTT assay and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, respectively. The protein expression of EGR3 was detected by Western blot. The regulatory relationship between EGR3 and miRNA-210 was predicted by TargetScan and identified by Dual luciferase reporter gene assay.

RESULTS

MiRNA-210 was overexpressed in the liver tissues of HBV-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer, and in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05). Silencing of miRNA-210 inhibited the viability and promoted the apoptosis of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05). EGR3 was a target of miRNA-210, which was down-regulated in the liver tissues of HBV-associated cirrhosis and liver cancer, and in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05). Silencing of miRNA-210 increased the mRNA and protein expression of EGR3 (P < 0.05). Silencing of EGR3 reversed the anti-tumor effect of miRNA-210 inhibitor on HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Silencing of miRNA-210 inhibits the progression of liver cancer and HBV-associated liver cancer via up-regulating EGR3.

Differential expression of angiogenesis-related miRNAs and VEGFA in cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a heterogeneous liver disease, the last stage of liver fibrosis, and the major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Our study aimed to evaluate the expression of microRNAs and the endothelial vascular growth factor (VEGFA) gene in LC and HCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The sample group consisted of 46 tissue samples: 21 of LC, 15 of HCC, and 10 of non-tumoural and non-cirrhotic liver tissue (control group). MiRNAs were chosen based on a mirDIP prediction database as regulators of the VEGFA gene. Gene expression of VEGF and miRNAs was quantified by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. VEGFA protein expression was evaluated by ELISA.

RESULTS

VEGFA gene expression was significantly overexpressed in LC compared to the control group (p < 0.0001). Hsa-miR-206 (p = 0.0313) and hsa-miR-637 (p = 0.0156) were down-expressed in LC. In HCC, hsa-miR-15b (p = 0.0010), hsa-miR-125b (p = 0.0010), hsa-miR-423-3p (p = 0.0010), hsa-miR-424 (p = 0.0313), hsa-miR-494 (p < 0.0001), hsa-miR-497 (p < 0.0001), hsa-miR-612 (p = 0.0078), hsa-miR-637 (p < 0.0001), and hsa-miR-1255b (p = 0.0156) presented down-expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Overexpression of VEGFA in LC suggests impairment of angiogenesis in this tissue. The differential expression of microRNAs in LC and HCC observed in our study can lead to the evaluation of possible biomarkers for these diseases.

The Regulatory Role of MicroRNA in Hepatitis-B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HBV-HCC) Pathogenesis

The incidence and mortality of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-HCC) is an intractable public health problem in developing countries that is compounded by limited early detection and therapeutic options. Despite the early promise of utilizing the regulatory role of miRNA in liver cancer, this field remains largely in the work-in-progress phase. This exploratory review paper adopts a broad focus in order to collate evidence of the regulatory role of miRNA in each stage of the HBV-HCC continuum. This includes the regulatory role of miRNA in early HBV infection, chronic inflammation, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and the onset of HCC. The paper specifically investigates HBV dysregulated miRNA that influence the expression of the host/HBV genome in HBV-HCC pathogenesis and fully acknowledges that this does not cover the full spectrum of dysregulated miRNA. The sheer number of dysregulated miRNA in each phase support a hypothesis that future therapeutic interventions will need to consider incorporating multiple miRNA panels.

microRNA-141 is associated with hepatic steatosis by downregulating the sirtuin1/AMP-activated protein kinase pathway in hepatocytes

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) is a crucial regulator of metabolism and it is implicated in the metabolic pathophysiology of several disorders inclusive of Type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of miR-141 in hepatic steatosis via regulation of SIRT1/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in hepatocytes. Liver hepatocellular cells (HepG2) were treated with high concentration of glucose to be subsequently used for the assessment of miR-141 and SIRT1 levels in a model of hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, cells were transfected with miR-141 to investigate its effect on hepatocyte steatosis and viability as well as SIRT1 expression and activity along with AMPK phosphorylation. Targeting of SIRT1 by miR-141 was evaluated by bioinformatics tools and confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Following the intracellular accumulation of lipids in HepG2 cells, the level of miR-141 was increased while SIRT1 mRNA and protein levels, as well as AMPK phosphorylation, was decreased. Transfection with miR-141 mimic significantly downregulated SIRT1 expression and activity while miR-141 inhibitor had the opposite effects. Additionally, modulation of miR-141 levels significantly influenced AMPK phosphorylation status. The results of luciferase reporter assay verified SIRT1 to be directly targeted by miR-141. miR-141 could effectively suppress SIRT1 and lead to decreased AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells. Thus, miR-141/SIRT1/AMPK signaling pathway may be considered a potential target for the therapeutic management of NAFLD.

Identification of non-invasive biomarkers for chronic atrophic gastritis from serum exosomal microRNAs

BACKGROUND

Serum exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) have been suggested as novel biomarkers for various diseases, especially gastric cancer (GC). But circulating biomarkers for Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) which is defined as precancrerous lesions of GC remain largely elusive. To investigate serum exosomal miRNAs that are differently expressed in CAG patients and Chronic nonatrophic gastritis (CNAG) may be helpful for its diagnosis and therapy.

METHODS

Patients were recruited according to the diagnosis and exclusioncriteria. RNA was extracted from serum exosomes of 30 CAG and 30 CNAG patients. The miRNA expression profiles were analyzed by next generation sequencing and were validated by qRT-PCR. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis has been used to evaluate the diagnostic value.

RESULTS

30 CAG patients and 30 CNAG patients were recruited in our study. sRNA-seq results showed that hsa-miR-3591-3p, - 122-3p, and - 122-5p of the top 10 miRNAs (hsa-miR-148a-3p, - 122-3p, - 486-3p, -451a, - 122-5p, - 3591-3p, - 486-5p, -151a-3p, -92a-3p, -320a) were significantly upregulated in exosomes from CAG patients versus those from CNAG patients, but hsa-miR-451a, -151a-3p, and -92a-3p were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, qRT-PCR analysis confirmed that hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-122-3p were significantly upregulated in CAG samples, but hsa-miR-122-3p hadnot a steable expression. ROC curves showed that the AUC for hsa-miR-122-5p was 0.67 (95% CI 0.52-0.82, SE 62%, SP 86%). A sum of the four miRNAs (panel 1, hsa-miR-122-5p, -451a, -151a-3p, and -92a-3p) did not significantly improve the diagnostic potential (AUC 0.63, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.78). Correlation analysis showed that the expression of hsa-miR-122-5p differed significantly between patients based on atrophic (Moderate atrophic vs. Absent, P value was 0.036.) and IM (compare moderate-severe, absent and mild P values were 0.001 and 0.014, respectively). However, there were no differences between groups based on age, gender, dysplasia, or chronic or active inflammation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that hsa-miR-122-5p in serum exosomes might serve as a potential biomarker for CAG diagnosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registy ( ChiCTR-IOR-16008027 , Date of Registration:2016-03-01).

gga-miR-155 Enhances Type I Interferon Expression and Suppresses Infectious Burse Disease Virus Replication via Targeting SOCS1 and TANK

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute, highly contagious, and immunosuppressive avian disease caused by IBD virus (IBDV). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in host-pathogen interactions and innate immune response to viral infection. However, the role of miRNAs in host response to IBDV infection is not clear. We report here that gga-miR-155 acts as an anti-virus host factor inhibiting IBDV replication. We found that transfection of DF-1 cells with gga-miR-155 suppressed IBDV replication, while blockage of the endogenous gga-miR-155 by inhibitors enhanced IBDV replication. Furthermore, our data showed that gga-miR-155 enhanced the expression of type I interferon in DF-1 cells post IBDV infection. Importantly, we found that gga-miR-155 enhanced type I interferon expression via targeting SOCS1 and TANK, two negative regulators of type I IFN signaling. These results indicate that gga-miR-155 plays a critical role in cell response to IBDV infection.

Down-regulation of miR-26a-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma: A qRT-PCR and bioinformatics study

BACKGROUND

To practically verify the clinical value of miR-26a-5p and thoroughly explore its target genes as well as its potential functions in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

HCC and adjacent non-cancerous hepatic tissues of 95 HCC patients were collected for analysis using reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). For the bioinformatics analysis, we identified potential target genes for miR-26a-5p from differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) data sets and miRWalk predicted database. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analyses were applied to analyze the prospective mechanisms of the predicted target genes.

RESULTS

MiR-26a-5p showed a significantly lower expression level in HCC tissues (1.56±1.07) than adjacent benign liver tissues (2.28±1.06, P<0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was 0.665 (95% CI: 0.588-0.743, P<0.001). Significant correlations between miR-26a-5p expression and clinicopathological features such as gender (r=0.275, P<0.01), clinical TNM stage (r=-0.306, P<0.01), and metastasis (r=-0.321, P<0.01) were observed. To examine potential target genes, we obtained 175 genes for further function analysis, by attaining the intersection of 2062 up-regulated DEGs and 1390 online-predicted target genes. The GO and KEGG pathway annotation indicated focal adhesion, regulation of actin cytoskeleton and the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway as significant prospective mechanisms. The PPI network indicated that NRAS was the most essential hub gene in the whole network.

CONCLUSION

Down-regulated miR-26a-5p was closely correlated with the status of metastasis and the progression of HCC. MiR-26a-5p might play protective roles by targeting diverse genes and pathways.

Circulating MicroRNAs: A Next-Generation Clinical Biomarker for Digestive System Cancers

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression and play important roles in various physiological and developmental processes such as oncogenic or tumor suppressive regulators. Specific miRNA expression signatures have been identified in a number of human cancers. Cell-free miRNAs have recently been stably detected in plasma and serum (circulating miRNAs), and their presence in blood has attracted the attention of researchers due to their potential as non-invasive biomarkers. Circulating miRNAs have emerged as tumor-associated biomarkers that reflect not only the existence of early-stage tumors, but also the dynamics and status of advanced stage tumors, tumor recurrence, and drug sensitivities. This methodology for liquid biopsy may provide non-invasive and reproductive biomarkers and individualized therapeutic strategies for cancer patients. We herein review the current phase of biological and clinical research on the circulating miRNAs of solid cancers, particularly digestive tract cancers, and discuss future perspectives. The present review may be beneficial for future research on miRNAs used to detect various cancers.

Correlation between circulating miR-122 and prognosis of chronic HBV-related liver failure

OBJECTIVE

To assess the correlation between circulating microRNA (miR)-122 level and the prognosis of chronic hepatitis B-related liver failure (CHBLF).

METHODS

Serum miR-122 from CHBLF patients (n = 6) and healthy controls (n = 6) was quantified using an Exiqon locked nucleic acid microarray. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized to determine serum miR-122 expression in 102 patients with different liver diseases [CHBLF (n = 58), acute hepatitis B (n = 10), chronic hepatitis B (n = 22) and hepatitis B-related cirrhosis (n = 12)] and 23 healthy controls. The correlations between miR-122 and disease stages based on prothrombin activity (PTA) and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores were further analyzed.

RESULTS

Microarray showed that miR-122 was significantly upregulated among 148 significantly modified miRNAs in CHBLF patients. Serum level of miR-122 in CHBLF patients was significantly upregulated at early stage based on PTA or stages I-II based on MELD score. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the MELD score and circulating miR-122 level in patients with an MELD score of <30 (r = 0.521, P = 0.001). Moreover, serum level of miR-122 was significantly decreased at discharge compared with that at admission as shown in the same group of CHBLF patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum level of miR-122 is correlated with the severity of liver injury at an early stage. miR-122 may be a potential biomarker for both the diagnosis at an early stage of CHBLF and the prognosis for recovery.

Circulating microRNAs as Potential Biomarkers in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Obesity and metabolic syndrome are growing epidemics worldwide and greatly responsible for many liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD often progresses to cirrhosis, end-stage liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer and one of the leading causes for cancer-related deaths globally. Currently available tools for the diagnosis of NAFLD staging and progression towards HCC are largely invasive and of limited accuracy. In light of the need for more specific and sensitive noninvasive molecular markers, several studies have assessed the potential of circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) as biomarkers of liver injury and hepatocarcinogenesis. Indeed, extracellular miRNAs are very stable in the blood, can be easily quantitated and are differentially expressed in response to different pathophysiological conditions. Although standardization procedures and larger, independent studies are still necessary, miRNAs constitute promising, clinically-useful biomarkers for the NAFLD-HCC spectrum.

MicroRNAs in the Cholangiopathies: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment

The cholangiopathies are a group of liver diseases resulting from different etiologies but with the cholangiocyte as the primary target. As a group, the cholangiopathies result in significant morbidity and mortality and represent one of the main indications for liver transplant in both children and adults. Contributing to this situation is the absence of a thorough understanding of their pathogenesis and a lack of adequate diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs that modify gene expression post-transcriptionally. They have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, including the cholangiopathies. Thus, in this review we provide an overview of the literature on miRNAs in the cholangiopathies and discuss future research directions.